Dutchess County, Renegades Welcome
Hudson Valley Fort to Dutchess Stadium
Minor-league football team begins play at Dutchess County park
Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and the Hudson Valley Renegades today announced the Hudson Valley Fort, a minor-league football team playing in the Fall Experimental Football League (FXFL), will play at Dutchess Stadium, the Dutchess County park the Renegades have call home since 1994. The first of the team’s three regular-season games in Fishkill will take place on October 10th.
“Autumn in the Hudson Valley is pretty special; the fall will be better in Dutchess County because we are adding football to the foliage,” County Executive Molinaro said. “We look forward to defending the Fort.”
The FXFL is a professional football league, which was founded in May 2014 by Commissioner and CEO Brian Woods. Woods’ vision was to create a developmental platform for professional football talent. The FXFL business model incorporates partnerships with Minor League Baseball organizations and the utilization of smaller venues to better engage its fan base.
Prior to the Renegades’ 2014 season, Dutchess County invested more than $1 million in refurbishments to Dutchess Stadium, including an artificial-turf playing surface. Team officials said that field was a factor in bringing the FXFL franchise to Fishkill.
“Growing the economic benefit of Dutchess Stadium is a priority for us. Now, we not only celebrate and make use of this field as a traditional baseball stadium, but we welcome other, alternative activities,” County Executive Marc Molinaro said. “Bringing a Hudson Valley professional football team to Dutchess Stadium is an exciting addition to Dutchess County and the region as a whole.”
Based on attendance of Fort games, Dutchess County will earn additional revenue from the new team’s use of Dutchess Stadium.
Headquartered in New York City, the league counts ESPN3 and more than 20 regional sports networks among its broadcast partners. FXFL games are played on weeknights to avoid scheduling conflicts with the NFL and collegiate football.
The league currently boasts teams in Brooklyn, NY; Niles, Ohio; and Florida with players emanating from such collegiate football powerhouses as the University of Florida, Baylor University, N.C. State, Oklahoma and Clemson, among others.
Fort games will give local fans more opportunities to enjoy Dutchess Stadium, as well visiting spectators the opportunity to enjoy everything the Hudson Valley has to offer in autumn.
For more information about the Hudson Valley Fort, click here.
